A MAN in a Sherlock Holmes-style deerstalker hat threatened staff with a handgun in a terrifying armed robbery at a Tarporley building society.

The well-spoken man entered Leek United Building Society, High Street, before

1.10pm on Tuesday and brandished the handgun at two members of staff behind the counter, before escaping with around £2,000 stuffed in a Tesco carrier bag.

After leaving the building society, which operates from the same premises as accountants firm Hall Livesey Brown & Co, the suspect, described as in his mid-to-late 50s, is thought to have turned left in the direction of The Swan pub before hiding in the grounds of St Helen's Church.

Police suspect that, while hiding in the churchyard, the man may have altered his appearance, although they are unable to detail how. Villagers reported seeing police dog handlers searching the churchyard later that afternoon.

Traumatised staff have described the man as white, 5ft 8ins tall, of average build, dark hair, slim face, clean shaven and wearing a black coat and deerstalker hat.

The business is believed to keep a cash float behind the counter and doesn't employ the use of any glass security screens.

A notice posted on the front door the day after informed concerned customers that the building society will be closed indefinitely and one customer was told by staff that managers were meeting to discuss the future of the branch.

Patrons of the branch will have to make the journey to Leek Building Society's closest neighbour in Congleton in the meantime.

Police have confirmed that so far no arrests have been made but they are following up a 'number of leads'.

A Cheshire Constabulary spokesperson said: 'Police are treating this as a very serious offence.

'We are appealing for anybody with any information, who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the Tarporley area shortly before 1.10pm or who may have witnessed the robbery and hasn't yet come forward to police to contact the officer in this case DC Martin Johnson.' nAnyone with information can contact DC Johnson on 01244 616053, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.